Snorkel A38E Parts And Service Manual page 100

can generally furnish this information.
If questions still remain, contact Snorkel Customer Ser-
vice Department for further information.
Hydraulic Oil Return Filter
Return filter – Item 6. The hydraulic oil return filter is
mounted inside of the hydraulic oil reservoir(Tank).
The filter element is a throw-away type filter and
should be changed after the initial break-in period
(approximately 50 hours operation time).
The filter condition should be checked at the 180 day
or 250 hour Preventive Inspection Maintenance interval
or more frequently under extreme working conditions.
Warning
A
Wear safety gloves and safety glasses when han-
dling hot oil (hydraulic oil can be a skin irritant).
The hydraulic oil may be of sufficient temperature
to cause burns.
When changing the filter element, the oil inside of the
filter element, should be examined for deposits of metal
cuttings, which is present, could indicate excessive wear
in some of the system components.
Slide Pads
Slide pads – Item 8. Check slide pads for excessive
wear and replace as required. Slide pads do not require
lubrication.
Batteries
Batteries – Item 9. Batteries will have longer life if the
water level is maintained and they are kept charged.
In cold weather the battery should be maintained at
full charge to keep from freezing. An extremely low or
dead battery can freeze in cold weather. Make sure
connections are clean and tight.
Make sure charging equipment is operating properly.
Danger
A
Lead-acid batteries produce flammable and explo-
sive gases. Never allow smoking, flames or sparks
around batteries. Lead-acid batteries contain sulfu-
ric acid which will damage eyes or skin on contact.
When working around batteries, always wear a face
shield to avoid acid in eyes.
If acid contacts eyes, flush immediately with clear water
and get medical attention. Wear rubber gloves and
protective clothing to keep acid off skin, if acid contacts
skin, wash off immediately with clear water.
Battery Care and Maintenance
The following information about battery care and main-
tenance was supplied by Interstate Batteries and is
reprinted here with their permission.
A38E
1. New batteries need to be cycled several times before
reaching full capacity (20-50 cycles, depending on
type). Usage should be limited during this period.
2. Always recharge batteries fully, immediately after
use. Batteries perform best when they are fully
charged. More capacity and longer life will result
from this practice.
3. The deeper the discharge, the fewer number of
cycles a lead-acid battery will deliver. Deep dis-
charges deteriorate the battery quicker than lighter
shallow cycles.
4. Battery cables should be intact and connectors kept
tight at all times. Systematic inspection is recom-
mended.
5. Batteries should be kept clean – free of dirt and cor-
rosion – at all times. Always keep the top of batteries
clean. A film on top of the battery can cause the
current to migrate between the posts, accelerating
self discharge.
6. A fully charged battery will give you the best and lon-
gest service. Be sure the batteries are fully charged
before testing or using. A fully charged battery,
without a drain or load, after the surface charge has
dissipated, is 6.35 volts for a 6 volt battery.
7. Batteries should not be discharged below 20% of
capacity (approximately 1.8 volts per cell under
normal operating load; 1.98 volts open circuit; 1.145
specific gravity). Proper battery sizing will help avoid
excessive discharge.
8. Battery chargers should be sized to fully charge
batteries in an eight hour period. Chargers should
be kept in proper operating condition.
9. Do not use a mismatched charger of any type; i.e., a
12 volt charger on a 24 volt pack or a 24 volt charger
on a 12 volt pack. An undersized charger will never
get the job done, no matter how long it tries. An
oversized charger will cause excess gassing and
heat that could possibly result in a battery meltdown
and/or explosion.
10. Never charge a lead-acid battery with a sealed (gel
cell) battery charger. The lead-acid battery needs
higher voltage to finish its charge. Without it the
battery will never come back to 100% and sulfation
can occur.
11. Always allow batteries to cool off after charging.
The cooling time is very important because heat
is generated during the recharge and discharge
cycles. Without the cooling time the heat grows,
accelerating grid corrosion which is one of the major
causes of battery failure. Charging practice should
enable batteries to cool before use.
Maintenance – 13